Cut Knife area farmer Ned Ramsay and two pool buddies are this year’s winners of the Rotary Club of Saskatoon’s Masters Pool winners. Ramsay also had the winning picks in the 2017 version of the fundraiser as well.

Ramsay, a member of Atton’s Lake Golf Club also had an entry place fourth in the pool that included 365 entries. He admitted to doing plenty of research reading websites and predictions from “people that know way more about the game than me.” He said a key to earning the most prize money in the pool format is making sure you pick the winner and have some luck.

“You need the winner first of all, you have to find that winner,” Ramsay told Golf Saskatchewan. “The thing that saved us was Rory [McIlroy] climbing the leaderboard, if he didn’t do that, we might have cashed but we wouldn’t be where we were at. We had him and [Scottie] Scheffler in that first box and that really helped.”

Ramsay has entered the Rotary Club’s pool every year since it’s inception, so his odds of winning have been elevated. He also said the Masters is his favourite tournament and attending Augusta National is a bucket list item. He even joked that the pool winner used to receive their own Masters flair and he wishes that continued.

“They took away the green jacket, they used to give a green jacket away,” he laughed. “I’ve won twice, that will be the closest I ever get to a green jacket, I joked about that with the Rotary Club.”

The trio of golf fans are enjoying the win and have already reinvested some of their winnings in the community’s Stanley Cup playoff draft with proceeds going to Cut Knife’s bowling alley.

As for Ramsay’s home course of Atton’s Lake, he said “it’s a beautiful nine-hole regional park course that I’ve yet to par but will continue to play and hopefully put it all together one day.”

A portion of the proceeds from the pool is given to Golf Saskatchewan to assist in funding junior golf programming.

The complete results can be found here.

Connor Scissons college career is winding down, but the Saskatoon product has another top-10 finish on his resume at Arizona Christian University (ACU).

The Firestorm were in Lompoc, California on April 25 to 27 for the GSAC Men’s Championship. Scissons carded rounds of 71, 78, and 80 on route to a 10^th place tie. The senior at ACU was tied for third at one point in the event.

As a team the Firestorm were fourth overall. The event wraps up their school’s season.

Alex Schmidt of Regina wrapped up the final scheduled event of her collegiate career at Lewis-Clarke State in Idaho. Schmidt finished in ninth place at the Cascade Conference Championships in Eagle Point, Oregon. She posted rounds of 83 and 77 for a 36-hole total of 160 at Eagle Point Golf Club. Schmidt led the Warriors to a fourth overall finish.

Holly Knudsen was in action this week alongside her Minot State Beaver teammates in Smithville, Missouri on April 22 to 24. The Chaplin product opened the tournament at Paradise Point Golf Complex with an 85, she followed that up with a 94 during round two. Knudsen shaved 10 strokes off that for an 84 in round three to finish in a tie for 31^st at 47-over par, 263.

As a team the Beavers finished ninth of 13 teams at the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championships at Paradise Pointe – Outlaw.

Brody Istace wrapped up his four-year college career at Columbia International University (CIU) this week at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship in Adiarsville, Georgia from April 24 to 27. The Kindersley product started sluggish with an 89 in round one but bounced back beautifully with a 74 in round two. In the final round Istace stroked an 83 to finish in a tie for 40^th at 30-over par 246.

The Rams tied for seventh as a team.

Josh Nagy and the Robert Morris Colonials competed this week in Howey-In-The-Hills, Florida for the Horizon League Championships at El Campeon. The Saskatoon product finished the 54-hole event at 28-over par, 244 (86,81,77) to leave him in 44^th spot.

The Colonials finished in ninth place in the team competition.

Will Danielson showed well in Milsaps College’s final event of the spring season. The Saskatoon second year player was competing with the Majors at the Southern Athletic Association Championships in Braselton, Georgia at the Château Élan Golf Club. Danielson improved each round shooting 82, 81, and 76 for a three-round total of 239, good enough for a tie for 27^th.

The Majors placed seventh in the team standings.

Caden Loeppky will likely feel confident in his game after picking up a 15^th place finish for Waldorf University at the NSAA Championship this week in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The Saskatoon resident went 84, 78 for a two-round total of 18-over par, 162 at the Wedgewood Golf Club.

Loeppky’s strong performance helped the Warriors secure a second-place finish in the team competition.

A few Saskatchewan student-athletes still have events next week including Roman Timmerman, Jace Carlisle, TJ Baker, Chase Gedak, Cole Jenkins, and Autumn Neizsner.

National championships are a possibility for some competitors as well.

2022 Easter Camp proves successful

Golf Saskatchewan was able to bring their Easter Camp program back this year after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

The weather forced the event inside, but eight junior golfers enjoyed the two days at both the Golf Dome and Golf YXE in Saskatoon.

Erin was one of the attendees, she was asked what she liked about the camp.

“One thing I enjoyed about the camp was that it wasn’t all focused on one area. I got to learn about different parts of my swing on my different clubs. I also enjoyed that we also talked about strategies, mental game, snacks, warm up, etc. Since there were two instructors, I got different views and opinions on how to improve. Lastly, I really enjoyed the part where I got to see how far each of my clubs would go which will be great reference on the course.” 

Chloe took part as well, she said she saw an improvement in her game quite quickly.

“I think my shots improved after the swing analysis. After I put my feet closer together and straightened my knees a little more, I found I was hitting the ball better.”

The camp focused on more than fundamentals including nutrition and the mental side of the game. Natalie said learning more about just your swing was a nice surprise.

“The homemade snacks were great, as well as the nutrition feedback on how to eat on the course and what to eat to have a balanced meal, conserve energy, and stay energized. I also enjoyed the professional yardage books that were shown by Anna Young as it will help me to create my own for my local course.”

Photos from the camp can be seen here.

Kent McMann has called Foam Lake home for upwards of four decades and for much of that time he’s volunteered his time to create a “better quality of life.”

McMann was honoured last year with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Volunteer of the Year Award.

Among McMann’s countless contributions to the community is his work at the Foam Lake Golf Club.

McMann spoke to Golf Saskatchewan to discuss why he gives back, the course and what it means to the Foam Lake area and more.

For the second time in his college career, weather may have washed out Josh Nagy‘s chance at a college win.

Last November, Nagy missed out on a potential win due to darkness halting a playoff at an event in New Jersey. This season, on April 19 and 20, the Robert Morris University (RMU) junior tied for third in the weather shortened Wright State Invitational in Springboro, Ohio. The Saskatoon product carded rounds of 72 and 73 for a 36-hole total of 3-over par, 145. Nagy tied for third, just three shots off the pace.

The Colonials tied for fourth as a team, 11 back of Wright State.

Jace Carlisle was able to celebrate a Post University team win at the Yellow Jacket Invitational in West Springfield, Massachusetts on April 18 and 19.

The Estevan product led the event at The Ledges Golf Club in par-3 scoring at 2-under par and finished tied for 27th at 14-over par, 158.

Post University teammates Ethan Philips and Riley Card finished first and second respectively leading the Eagles to the tournament victory.

Next on the schedule is the NCAA Atlantic/East Regional from May 7 – 9 at Ravenwood Golf Club in Victor, New York.

Saskatoon’s Will Danielson had a strong showing in Braselton, Georgia competing for Milsaps College.

Teeing it up at the Chateau Élan Golf Club on April 22 to 24, Danielson went 82, 81, 76, finishing in a tie for 27th at 20-over par, 239. Danielson was just two shots off the Majors team lead, the club was seventh-place overall in the team competition.

Caden Loeppky of Saskatoon was on the course last week alongside his Waldorf University teammates. Competing in a one-round event Loeppky shot 12-over par, 84 at the Mason City Country Club in Mason City, Iowa on April 19. He placed in a tie for 41st. Waldorf was sixth in the team standings.

Holly Knudsen recently returned to Minot, North Dakota following the NSIC Championship on April 24 at Paradise Point Golf Complex in Smithville, Missouri.

The Chaplin resident posted an opening round of 85 followed by a 94 in round two, the final round was the Minot State University freshman’s best carding an 84. She finished tied for 31st at 47-ver par, 263.

Several more players are competing in events this week including Nagy and Loeppky. Golf Saskatchewan will have more results later this week.

Golf Saskatchewan hosted their annual general meting on Saturday, virtually again this year via Zoom.

Several highlights were discussed including record breaking rounds played and scores at championships, national events returning as well as a modest surplus recorded but the association.

Larry Wagman of Regina will return as president of the board of directors. The group officially said farewell to board member Dru Bolen who relocated to Calgary. Sue Skinner took over in the interim, she was elected to the board along with Saskatoon’s Clinton Schmaltz.

Executive Committee for 2022/23

1. President – Larry Wagman | Royal Regina Golf Club (3 year term)
2. Vice President – Kevin Duchscherer | Evergreen Golf Course (Nipawin) (3 year term)
3. Treasurer – Danny Klughart | Cooke Municipal Golf Club (Prince Albert)

Contributing Board members:

4. Delbert Betnar – Royal Regina Golf Club
5. Diana Kerr – Wascana Country Club/Tor Hill Ladies Club (Regina) (2 year term)
6. Elanne Krainyk – Public Player (Saskatoon)
7. Clinton Schmaltz – Willows Golf & Country Club/PGA of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) (3 year term)
8. Sue Skinner – Rosetown Golf Course (1 year term)
9. Teddy Wiens – Wascana Country Club (Regina)

You can view the AGM report here.

Wagman sat down with Golf Saskatchewan to discuss the year and what is next.

Roman Timmerman picked up another top-10 finish this week with the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders golf team. Competing in the Great American Conference Championships in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the Saskatoon product shot rounds of 78, 69, and 73 for a 54-hole total of 220, tying him for ninth place.

The Muleriders team was sixth in the school competition.

During the conference championships Timmerman was named a GAC second team performer, the third All-GAC recognition of his collegiate career.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello Weevils were also in action at the GAC Championships including Chase Gedak of Estevan and TJ Baker of Prince Albert. Gedak placed all alone in 20^th position with a three-round score of 224 (77,77,70). Baker was one spot back in a tie for 21^st at 9-over par, 225. Baker carded a 78 in round one, 76 in the second round and 71 during the final round on Tuesday.

The Weevils placed seventh in the team competition, just behind SAU.

Regina’s Jacob Kydd was back in action this week, the senior at Indiana Wesleyan University was in Noblesville, Indiana for the Sagamore Shootout at the Sagamore Golf Club. Kydd posted rounds of 83 and 88 for a 36-hole score of 27-over par, 171. Kydd finished in a tie for 35^th.

Kydd was competing for the Wildcats ‘B’ team, they placed seventh. Indiana Wesleyan’s ‘A’ team was third.

Next up is the Ackerman-Allen Shootout in West Lafayette, Indiana on April 25 and 26.

Fellow Regina golfer Alex Schmidt competed in a weather shortened event in Salem, Oregon this week alongside her Lewis-Clark State Warrior teammates. Playing in the Corban Invitational at Creekside Golf Club. Schmidt, in her final college season shot 17-over par, 89 and tied for 25^th.

The team tied for fourth. Their next tournament is the Cascade Conference Championships in Klamath Falls, Oregon on April 25 and 26.

Robert Morris University men’s golf team was in Hellertown, Pennsylvania last weekend for the Abarta Collegiate Invitational. Saskatoon’s Josh Nagy tied with two of his Colonial teammates tied for 16^th at 3-over par, 147 in the 36-hole event at the Steel Club. Nagy shot 76 and 71 during the tournament that saw 15 players tied at 147.

Robert Morris tied for sixth as team in a deep field consisting of 20 universities. Next up for the Colonials is the Wright State Invitational in Springboro, Ohio on April 18 and 19.

Caden Loepky’s season with Waldorf University continued April 9 and 10 with a 36-hole event in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Loeppky shots rounds of 83 and 84 at the Ford Didge Country Club leaving him in a tie for 42^nd at 25-over par.

Loeppky’s team finished the Iowa Central Spring Invite in sixth place out of nine schools. Next up for the Warriors is the NSAA Championships on April 26 and 26.

Prince Albert’s Cole Jenkins had an event washed out by weather on April 8 in Ames, Iowa but the Southeast Community College Storm men’s golf team was in Lincoln, Nebraska this week for the Howl at the Hill Spring Shootout at the Hillcrest Country Club.

Jenkins shot 81 during round one and 82 in the second round of the tournament. His 19over par, 163 left him in a tie for 19^th place. The team was second overall in the four-school event.

Next on the Storm’s docket is the Northeast CC Spring Invitational in Norfolk, Nebraska on April 18.

Former Saskatchewan Men’s Amateur champion Troy Bulmer picked up a professional win in British Columbia last week.

Bulmer, the 2011 provincial champion won the Gatekeeper Systems Open on the Vancouver Golf Tour thanks to a 65 during the second round of the 36-hole event at the Mayfair Lakes Golf and Country Club.

Golf Saskatchewan’s Clark Stork caught up with Bulmer who now plays professionally out of Predator Ridge while calling Vernon, B.C. home.

The RBC Scramble is back this year with five regional qualifying events planned for Saskatchewan.

According to the RBC Scramble website “local qualifiers provide an opportunity for you and three friends to play a fun round of golf at your club or a course that you have wanted to play but never had the chance, all in an attempt to progress through the stages to the extravagant RBC PGA Scramble National Final.”

The first qualifier will be on June 25 at The Legends Golf Club in Warman. Cooke Municipal Golf Course will host a qualifier on June 26. On July 17 the third qualifier will take place at Valley Regional Park Golf Course in Rosthern. There will also be a qualifier at The Willows Golf & Country Club on that same day. The last qualifier in the province will be Aug. 1 at Swift Current’s Elmwood Golf Club.

All winning teams will advance to the regional final on Aug. 22 at The Legends.

Last year, a foursome from Deer Valley Golf Resort won the provincial event and went on to represent Saskatchewan at the national championship at Cabot.

Holly Knudsen played well for Minot State University at the Hardrocker Invite in Rapid City, South Dakota this week picking up a top-10 placing. The Chaplin resident shot 89 in round one and 84 during the second round to finish at 31-over par, 173. The tournament champion was at 16-over par.

As a team the Beavers placed fifth out of 11 teams. Their next tournament is the Dickinson State Invite on April 10 – 11 at Heart River Golf Course in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Symone Ripley of Saskatoon was in competition in British Columbia on April 2 and 3. The University of BC Okanagan Heat competitor placed 19^th at the UFV Invitational at the Chilliwack Golf Club. Ripley shot 89 on day one of the event and rebounded with an 85 in round two.

Saskatoon’s Connor Scissons has a top-10 finish and team low at the TMU Spring Invite in Liano, California this week. The senior at Arizona Christian University (ACU) shot 70 and 77 for a 36-hole score of 3-over par, 147, good enough for eighth overall.

The Firestorm team placed fifth out of eight teams. ACU’s next event is the GSAC Conference Tournament in Lompoc, Californina on April 25 – 27.

Chase Gedak of Estevan continues to bounce back from an injury that pushed back the start of his college career, he tied for 29^th at the DBU Men’s Classic in Denton, Texas on April 4 and 5. The TS&M Woodlawn Golf Club member was consistent over three rounds shooting 72, 72, 73 for a 54-hole total 1-over par, 217.

University of Arkansas at Monticello Weevil teammate TJ Baker of Prince Albert finished 52^nd in the tournament at Wildhorse Golf Club at Robson Ranch. Baker carded back-to-back 76’s and 75 in round three for a total of 11-over par, 227.

As a team the Weevils were 10^th in the tournament. The school’s next action is the GAC Conference Championships on April 10 – 12.

Roman Timmerman of Southern Arkansas University will also be in the field next week in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Will Danielson of Saskatoon was at the Rhodes Spring Classic with his Milsaps College teammates competing in Millington, Tennessee. Danielson shot two rounds of 82 for a 164, he tied for 48^th position. The team was ninth.

Next up for the Majors is the SAA Championships on April 22 – 24 in Braselton, Georgia.

Jace Carlisle of Estevan was on the course in late March as Post University travelled to Emerson, New Jersey for the Charger Challenge. Coming off a team win at the Battle at the Beech, the Eagles placed fourth at the event at Soldier Hill Golf Course. Carlisle tied for 21^st in the one round tournament, he shot 8-over par, 79.

Post’s next scheduled event is the NCAA Regional Showcase in Victor, New York on April 10 – 12.

Cole Jenkins and the Southeast Community College Storm were in Newton, Kansas this week for the Bethel Spring Invitational at Hesston and Sand Creek.

Southeast took second in the team competition finishing 15 shots behind Dodge City Community College. The Prince Albert product tied for 35^th at 17 over par. Jenkins carded an 83 in round one and 77 in the second round.

Jenkins was also in competition on Wednesday in Fremont, Nebraska for the Midland Invitational. Jenkins tied for 11^th with a round of 6-over par, 77.

The Storm have another event Friday in Ames, Iowa.

Brody Istace of Kindersley competed this week in a match play event featuring the Columbia International University (CIU) Rams against Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. Istace and his teammate William Fletcher won their four-ball match, Istace also won his lone singles match. The Rams did fall in the competition 8 to 7.

CIU will travel to Adairsville, Georgia for the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship on April 24 to 26.